Monday, September 12, 2016

The Storybook Knight by Helen Docherty, Illustrated by Thomas Docherty

This review was written by: B

Received: Publisher (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)

Publication Date of Book: Sept. 6, 2016

Pages: 32

Stars: 5/5

Official Summary:

Even dragons can't resist a good story . . .

Even though Leo would rather sit at home and read, his parents send him out into the world in the hopes that Leo will become a famous knight. But when Leo comes up against the land's most fearsome beasts, he soon discovers that scary monsters enjoy a good book as much as anyone . . .

My Thoughts:

Leo was a gentle knight

in thought and word and deed.

While other knights like fighting,

Leo liked to sit and read.

~The Storybook Knight

Leo is a most peculiar knight. Instead of going out and slaying beasts, rescuing damsels in distress, or going on dangerous adventures, he enjoys spending his time with his nose in a great book, which his parents feel a little odd about. After watching their knight son sit and read for hours on end, Leo's parents urge him to tame a dragon, and they present him with a brand-new shield and sword. Typically, (along with his handsome stead) this is all that one would expect the traditional knight to bring on a daring, treacherous journey, but Leo does the unexpected: he totes with him a huge stack of books, which prove to be quite handy!

The Storybook Knight is a delightful addition to children's literature today! It is not only a tale featuring fantastical, magical creatures, but it is also a story highlighting one of the best lessons that a child could ever learn: Winning a battle and saving the day does not necessarily have to be about who's the strongest or the most brutal. Instead, a knight in shining armor can be just as amazing if he/she uses their resources and talents, while still being innovative and kind!

The lyrical, rhyming quality of the story will surely be a crowd pleaser amongst young readers and will also make reading the book aloud that much more enjoyable! Plus, the gorgeous illustrations are completely immersive for the setting, giving off this fun, middle-age atmospheric tone. Just take a look at these beauties:

(I die every time that I see that pony! It's too cute!!!)

The Storybook Knight is unquestionably one of those children's books that you will want to buy for your own collection and read to your children again and again! Plus, Leo's the type of mouse you actually don't mind inviting into your house! He's not only intelligent and gentle, but he LOVES to
read, as well! (I have a feeling that we would get along swimmingly!)

It is safe to say that Helen and Thomas Docherty make a fantastic team, and I can't wait to see what they produce in the future! I have a feeling that this book could become one of the classics. Consequently, I strongly suggest you check it out! It's gorgeous inside and out.